After the success of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", the intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos' member Terry Johnson.
With his brother David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin released a popular cover version of "Stand By Me" (by Ben E. King), taken from The Ruffin Brothers' album, I Am My Brother's Keeper.
Jimmy Ruffin's other hits include "I've Passed This Way Before", "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby", "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You" and "Tell Me What You Want".
In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees' musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: "Hold On To My Love". In 1986 Jimmy Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing "A Foolish Thing To Do" and "My Sensitivity" on a 12" EP record.
In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to live in Britain, where he continued to perform successfully. In December 1984 he collaborated with Paul Weller of The Style Council for his benefit single "Soul Deep." This went under the name of The Council Collective.
Following the 2010 release of his album I Am My Brother's Keeper, Ruffin began writing and recording songs for a new album that was never issued.
In 2012, a compilation album entitled, "There Will Never Be Another You", including his hit songs "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted", and "Hold On To My Love" had been released.
In addition to his brother David Ruffin (deceased), Jimmy Ruffin had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).
Turn Back The Hands Of Time
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't sleep at night always think about you
But if I had the chance to start all over
I would be wishing today on a four leaf clover
And leaving you with the last thing on my mind
If I could turn back the hands of time
Oh darling I can't hold out much longer
But if I had just one more try
I would be yours, yours alone until the day I die
and we would have a love so divine
If I could turn back the hands of time
Oh darling please, please let me come back home
Your love has been so good to me baby
And I just relied without it
I can't go on and you're the other half
That makes my life complete
If I had one more chance we'd have a love so sweet
The lyrics of Jimmy Ruffin's song "Turn Back The Hands Of Time" express the longing of a person who has lost their love and is now deeply lonely without them. The singer of the song is unable to sleep at night and constantly thinks about their lost love. The feelings of regret and desire to have another chance to start all over with their loved one are expressed throughout the song. The lyrics describe how the singer would go on wishing for a new beginning, if they had the chance to do so. They would like to leave their lost love with a kind thought, concentrating on their past mistakes so that they can correct them if given another opportunity.
The second verse of the song elaborates on the deep pain and hurt that the singer is going through without their love. The song expresses the fact that the love between the two was divine and that the singer cannot hold out much longer without their love. The singer desires to have just one more chance where they can love their partner alone until death separates them. They would like to turn back the hands of time to make everything right and to have a complete and sweet love with their lover.
Overall, the song expresses the feelings of love, loss, and regret. The longing for a second chance to correct the past mistakes and have a fulfilling love seems to be the underlying theme of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh darling I'm so lonely without you
My life feels empty and incomplete without you, my darling.
Can't sleep at night always think about you
I can't stop thinking about you, it's affecting my ability to rest and sleep properly at night.
But if I had the chance to start all over
If I could restart or undo certain things, I would take that opportunity.
I would be wishing today on a four leaf clover
I would be relying on good luck and hoping for the best possible outcome.
And leaving you with the last thing on my mind
If given the chance to start over, I would prioritize other things over thinking about leaving you.
If I could turn back the hands of time
If I had the power to go back in time and make changes, I would use it to fix things.
Oh darling I can't hold out much longer
I am finding it increasingly difficult to continue living like this without you.
Oh the pain's so deep and the hurt is getting stronger
My pain and emotional trauma from being away from you is only getting worse.
But if I had just one more try
If I could have one more chance to make things right, I would take it in a heartbeat.
I would be yours, yours alone until the day I die
I would commit myself fully and completely to you, and remain loyal to you for the rest of my life.
and we would have a love so divine
If we were able to make things work, we would have a beautiful, perfect kind of love.
Oh darling please, please let me come back home
I am begging you to take me back, to allow me to come back home to you.
Your love has been so good to me baby
I recognize and appreciate how much love and care you have shown me, my baby.
And I just relied without it
I cannot function or live my life properly without your love and presence in it.
I can't go on and you're the other half
I cannot continue living like this without you, because you complete me and make me feel whole.
That makes my life complete
Your presence in my life is essential to my happiness and overall well-being.
If I had one more chance we'd have a love so sweet
If given another opportunity, we would have a beautiful, sweet kind of love that would make everything worthwhile.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bonnie Thompson, Jack Daniels
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josie Springfield
Jimmy Ruffin
Ruffin in 1964
Background information
Birth name
Jimmie Lee Ruffin
Born
May 7, 1936 [1][2]
Collinsville, Mississippi, U.S.
Died
November 17, 2014 (aged 78)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Genres
SoulR&Bpop
Occupation(s)
Singer
Instruments
Vocals
Years active
1955-2014
Labels
Soul (Motown)PolydorRSOEMIMotorcity
Associated acts
David Ruffin
antij1
I never heard this version. David is brilliant as usual.
Chris Craft
This is the 1st time I've heard this one & it's very similar to Tyrone Davis's version.
Jonathan Clary
Don't forget about his brother Jimmy Ruffin was also brilliant as usual
Anntheia Farr
TWO GREAT MISSISSIPPI LEGENDS, that didn't get their proper due in the music business industry during their era. They both will be truly missed. Rest In Peace My Brothers""""""""""""""""""""""""""""".
steven patterson
Two of the best singers and songwriters ever!
Darlean Thompson
David,s voice gives me goosebumps
Jonathan Clary
Jimmy's voice sounds so awesome
He gives me so much Soul
binkjeremy
Two of the greatest voices God has created! Rest in Peace brothers! You shared your soul with all of us! Share it in heaven!
Roger Egerton
I thank God I born into an era where we had singers like Jimmy and David Ruffin. Sadly both are no longer with us, but their music lives on.
Soulbrother Heuck
Roger. The Angels in heaven had not forgotten. They are now the music in heaven. Teaching other Angels